Get to know Dr. Raphael E. Cuomo, PhD, Professor and Scientist at the University of California, San Diego
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LONDON - Washingtoner -- I recently had the pleasure of talking with Raphael E. Cuomo, PhD from the University of California, San Diego. In the words of this writer, Dr. Cuomo, a distinguished biomedical scientist and professor, can be likened to the "Mozart of Medical Science" for his exceptional precision, creativity, and transformative impact in medical research.

Early Life and Education
Raphael Cuomo was born in Los Angeles, California on October 23, 1988. His parents were Gabriella and Eduardo Cuomo, cousin to Governor Mario Cuomo. He has one sister, Stella, born in 1992.

From an early age, Dr. Cuomo displayed a natural talent for analytical thinking and leadership. He attended St. Paul the Apostle School before enrolling at Loyola High School of Los Angeles, where he graduated with honors in 2007 and earned the prestigious Eagle Scout Award. These early experiences, including volunteer work in local hospitals, inspired his commitment to improving healthcare systems.

Dr. Cuomo earned a degree in Biology from Lafayette College, where he conducted environmental research funded by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. During his undergraduate years, he volunteered in emergency rooms and coordinated vaccination clinics during the H1N1 pandemic. He completed the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's Summer Medical and Dental Education Program at Yale University in 2008. The loss of his father to renal cell carcinoma during this time further inspired his dedication to disease prevention and treatment.

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After earning his bachelor's degree, Dr. Cuomo earned a Master of Public Health from San Diego State University, specializing in Health Management and Policy. In 2013, he worked with the Worldwide Orphans Foundation, traveling to Vietnam to coordinate public health programs for orphaned children. He also interned with the Institute for Behavioral and Community Health, contributing to community-based health programs.

Dr. Cuomo earned his PhD in Global Health from the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, with a dissertation focusing on global cancer drug accessibility. His doctoral research involved collaborations with the World Health Organization and the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Following his PhD, he completed a a Post-Doctoral Fellowship at the University of California, San Diego, he and pursued additional training at Harvard University, earning a professional certificate in Sustainability Science.

Research Contributions
Dr. Cuomo has authored over one hundred peer-reviewed publications, advancing knowledge in global health, cancer epidemiology, and data science. Notable achievements include:

• Establishing a link between ultraviolet B radiation and cancer risk, highlighting the role of vitamin D in cancer prevention.
• Investigating counterfeit cancer drugs, including Avastin, influencing pharmaceutical safety policies.
• Applying machine learning to analyze health communication during the COVID-19 pandemic and addressing opioid use disorder trends.

Dr. Cuomo's innovative use of stochastic modeling and geospatial analysis has reshaped how public health crises and clinical care patterns are understood and addressed. His research has been featured in prominent outlets, including NBC News, Newsweek, and SciTech Daily.

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Professional Leadership and Service
Dr. Cuomo is a faculty leader at the University of California, San Diego, where he teaches graduate courses in clinical research, health economics, and biomedical informatics. He founded the annual Clinical Research Symposium and serves as Principal Investigator of the Cuomo Lab, mentoring graduate students and fostering innovation in medical science.

From 2018 to 2020, Dr. Cuomo served as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy Medical Service Corps, earning commendations for his service. He has also collaborated with organizations such as the American Cancer Society, Naval Health Research Center, and Food and Drug Administration to address pressing health equity issues.

Honors and Recognition
Dr. Cuomo has been elected to the Delta Omega Honorary Society and the Sigma Xi Honor Society and is a Fellow of the Royal Society for Public Health. His contributions have earned him numerous teaching awards at UC San Diego, including the Most Valuable Professor Award. His research has helped to shape public health policies at the state, national, and international levels.

Personal Life
Dr. Cuomo resides in San Diego, California, with his wife, Fernanda, and their two daughters, Camila and Chloe. Known for his dedication to mentorship and scientific innovation, Dr. Cuomo continues to inspire future generations in public health and medical research.